History Driven by heritage,
shaped for tomorrow

A DOUBLE SIDE STORY: PAOLO GARELLA

1959

A Life Shaped by Engineering Vision and Automotive Craft

Born in 1959, Paolo Garella has led a career spanning from testing and research to creativity and design. From Goodyear to Pininfarina and Albatech, he developed groundbreaking projects before founding Manifattura Automobili Torino, where engineering excellence meets bespoke automotive creation.

1983

Growing Up with Cars and Crafting an Engineering Future

Surrounded by a family of true car enthusiasts, Paolo Garella grew up immersed in the world of engines and design. Guided by his father and uncle’s passion, he pursued Mechanical Engineering at the Politecnico di Torino, graduating in 1983 and setting the foundation for his lifelong automotive journey.

1984

Beginnings in Vehicle Testing and Engineering Innovation

Paolo took his first steps in the automotive world as a test engineer at the Goodyear International Technical Center in Luxembourg. Between corners, accelerations and extreme tests, he participated in the creation of the celebrated Wet Handling Mireval Circuit, an experience that fused driving skills and advanced research, marking the beginning of a career dedicated toautomotive excellence and innovation.

1984 1987 Paolo-Garella working by Goodyear

1989

From Track Programs to Early Innovation in Electric Mobility

Back from Luxembourg, Paolo spent three pivotal years at PTI Albatech. He was involved in the Alba Group C Racing Program, but his role quickly became crucial for the development of cutting-edge hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as chassis development for prototypes from some of the most renowned design centers.

1992

A New Chapter at Pininfarina, Leading Prototype Engineering Excellence

In 1992, Garella joined Pininfarina as Responsible for the Prototype Engineering & Manufacturing. Thanks to his leadership Pininfarina become one of the leading supplier of the Brunei Royal Family.

1994

Paolo’s Innovations in Crafting Bespoke Special Projects

Under increasing pressure from the Royal Garage for performance and quality, Paolo developed new processes and techniques for the development and manufacturing of special projects — methods still used today in the construction of bespoke vehicles.

1998

Pininfarina’s Engineering Shift Led by Garella

New challenges at Pininfarina. The company decided to enter the Engineering Services Market, and Garella became a leading figure in the restructuring of the Pininfarina Group.

2001

Leading the Way in Bespoke, One-Off Car Creation

Under the leadership of Andrea Pininfarina, Garella recreated the Special Projects Division to offer individuals the possibility of having their bespoke car built as a one-off by Pininfarina.

2006

One-Off Masterpieces Make Their Debut Under Garella

In August 2006, on the legendary lawn of the Pebble Beach Concours, the Pininfarina Special Projects Division presented the first two one-off projects created under Paolo Garella’s leadership: the Ferrari 612 Kappa by Pininfarina and the Ferrari P4/5 by Pininfarina.

2009

Turning Ideas into Reality: Garella’s Independent Consulting

After a successful career as a manager, Paolo began a new chapter as an independent consultant, supporting his clients in giving shape and speed to their dreams. This is how the P4/5 Competizione, the Momo Mirage, and other confidential projects came to life.

2012

P4/5 Competizione M Achieves Best Hybrid Finish at Nürburgring

Under Paolo’s leadership, the P4/5 Competizione M raced at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, finishing 12th — still the best result ever for a hybrid car in the world’s most challenging race.

PAOLO GARELLA

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A DOUBLE SIDE STORY: M.A.T. COMPANY

2014

Paolo Garella Founds M.A.T.: Boutique Maker of Bespoke Cars

In 2014, Paolo Garella founded Manifattura Automobili Torino (M.A.T.) to meet the growing demand for bespoke automotive projects from international clients. Based in the heart of Turin’s legendary coachbuilding district, M.A.T. defines itself as a “boutique car manufacturer” that designs and builds unique and low-volume vehicles — both road and racing — overseeing every stage from concept to final creation. Each vehicle is a truly tailor-made masterpiece, reflecting the vision, personality, and emotions of its owner.

2014 MAT Founder Ing Garella in front of a New Stratos

2015

M.A.T.’s SCG003C Challenges Racing Giants at Nürburgring

At the newly born M.A.T., Paolo Garella conceived, engineered and produced the SCG003C, a car that competed head-to-head with the greatest OEMs and their race teams at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

2018

Garella’s New Stratos Project Revived at M.A.T.

Michael and Maximilian Stoschek granted M.A.T. the license to build 25 units of the New Stratos, a project that Paolo Garella had previously overseen as Pininfarina Project Manager.

2019

Garella Leads Aspark Hypercar to Record-Breaking Performance

Paolo Garella led the Aspark electric hypercar project, to achieve extraordinary performance. Every detail—from aerodynamics to tires—was meticulously refined, culminating in 0–100 km/h in 1.79 seconds, a testament to vision and relentless testing.

2022

M.A.T.’s Jewelry Line Brings Historic Cars Back to Life

In 2022, Paolo Garella led the reproduction of iconic historic cars, blending meticulous craftsmanship with modern expertise to offer private collectors classic vehicles reimagined with passion. This marked the birth of M.A.T.’s Jewelry line.

2022 Jewelry MAT Paolo and Riccardo Garella with a 33 Stradale

2024

Aspark SP600 Sets New World Speed Record at 438.7 km/h

In 2024, the Aspark SP600 reached 438.7 km/h, setting a new world record and redefining the boundaries of speed.

2025

Innovating Dreams: M.A.T. Expands with Skilled Professionals

In 2025, M.A.T. counts over 50 talented professionals and keeps growing steadily, driven by the same passion: transforming clients’ dreams into reality and partnering with leading OEMs on tailor-made, innovative projects.

MAT team between Aspark Roadster and New Stratos Alitalia

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History Driven by heritage, shaped for tomorrow